There’s an eternal appeal for small neighborhood Italian restaurants that Angelenos can’t get enough of. La Bettola di Terroni feels fresh and timeless with its packed tables, high ceilings, sleek bar with striking lights, and white tablecloths inside the former Vernetti space. (Bettola means tavern or dive in Italian.)

In addition to the main dining room, a lovely sidewalk dining area that juts into the street, but remains protected on all sides, makes for a terrific al fresco experience. La Bettola’s menu, executed by chef Costantino Gusso, adds a dose of Silician flavors to the mostly classic lineup of pan-Italian appetizers, pizzas, pastas, and secondi.